Rolling Stone Interviews

by: Jann S. Wenner and Joe Levy, Editors

Published by: Back Bay Books (Little, Brown and Company)

Reviewed by Mark M. Owen, Ph.D.

Rolling Stone Interviews will strike magical chords in everyone. The book, edited with deep affection by Jann S. Wenner and Joe Levy, binds together reprinted interviews with famous people taken from Rolling Stone Magazines spanning nearly forty years. Starting with Pete Townsend of the Who in 1968 before the release of Tommy, and ending with U2’s front man Bono in 2005, the interviews capture and frame a chunk of modern history in a truly unique fashion.

For those unfamiliar with the interviews of Rolling Stone, it’s not just about music. Captured in raw form are the thoughts and feelings of directors like George Lucas after the release of the original smash hit Star Wars, and actors like Jack Nicholson after 1983’s Best Picture Oscar went to Terms of Endearment. There are interviews with comedian Robin Williams, talk show hosts Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and writers like Tom Wolfe, all stand-out artists in their own right.

The most striking features of the book are the voices. It’s rare in a non-fiction title to capture so much passion. John Lennon’s interview in 1971 shortly after the breakup of the Beatles has more guttural honesty than a priest’s confession. Kurt Cobain’s 1994 interview captured shortly
before his suicide lays out personal demons and screams for help. Bill Clinton’s interview from 2000 breathes enough soul-searching sage advice to garner empathy from any hardened Republican. And there’s more.

It must have been difficult to choose which interviews to include in the book. Of the multiple Eric Clapton interviews from various issues of the magazine, how could someone pick just one? Likewise, I’m not sure I would have voted for the Axl Rose saga to be included. But I’m thankful for what is there, all in one place.

Where else could you find the thoughts of the Dalai Lama just pages away from those of Ozzy Osbourne?

Armchair Interviews says: If you love music and the entertainment business–and strong stories and writing,this book is for you.